The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, will host a high-level health security dialogue with the People’s Republic of China on pandemic preparedness and response in Abuja.
The event, scheduled for Monday, March 30, 2026, is themed “Lessons on Pandemic Preparedness and Response: Insights from China and Nigeria.”
According to a statement signed by the Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, Ado Bako, the dialogue will bring together senior government officials, global health institutions, policymakers, and scientists from both countries.
The ministry said the engagement is part of ongoing efforts by countries to strengthen preparedness for future health threats following lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
It noted that the dialogue would provide a platform for participants to share practical experiences and explore strategies for building more resilient health systems.
Key areas of discussion include strengthening disease surveillance and early warning systems, improving emergency response coordination, enhancing community trust and risk communication, and promoting international collaboration for pandemic preparedness.
The statement added that the meeting would also explore opportunities to deepen Nigeria–China cooperation in public health research and innovation, laboratory systems and pathogen surveillance, technology transfer, and capacity development.
It further stated that the dialogue is expected to produce policy recommendations to strengthen pandemic preparedness, enhance bilateral collaboration between Nigeria and China, and provide strategic insights to guide national and global health security priorities.
The event will feature opening remarks by senior government officials, a keynote address by a global health expert, panel discussions involving Nigerian and international stakeholders, as well as a post-event press briefing.
